Could an alpaca be your spirit animal?

Ambling along the Andes, adorable alpacas are awash with… Well I ran out of words that start with “a” (and my name’s Adesina lol), so let’s just say: Who doesn’t love alpacas??

Three fun facts about alpacas:

• They are a kind of “camelid,” meaning that alpacas are distantly related to both camels and llamas (but they are NOT the same animal as either!)
• Yes they can spit defensively, so don’t annoy the alpaca!
• They have been domesticated for so long, there are no wild alpacas in the world!

And did I mention they are downright delightful? Yes, yes they are.

But there is more to the almighty alpaca than just good genetics and slinging saliva! These Peruvian cuties offer a spiritual impulse for those whom they inspire. According to SpiritAnimals.org, alpacas represent “focus and inner strength.” And CareSherpa.com offers a litany of symbolic underpinnings that alpacas may embody: from adaptability, to fortitude, to stamina.

It makes sense, because alpacas can survive in almost any environment — there’s your adaptability and fortitude right there! And as for focus, well… I visited a herd of alpacas at the Bronx Zoo last year, and they were extremely focused…on the food I was giving them. Not a one of them could be bothered to accept head scritches in lieu of munchies!

Either way, if these past few years have taught me ANYTHING, it’s that focus, adaptability, and stamina, are necessary components to survive in this post-pandemic landscape. If you agree, maybe all of our spirit animals this year, should indeed be the admirable alpacas.

I drew this one a couple months ago in March, and only now have I decided I am willing to part with him. He brought me luck and focus while I was dealing with some crazy deadlines, so if you’re going through a moment where you need a bit of focus, or you just want some luck on your side, now you can make him yours! 🙂